2018 OUTSIDERS IMPROVISED & CREATIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL

“The final show of electric bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma’s fourth annual Outsiders Improvised and Creative Music Festival reveled in the roots and revolution of Ornette Coleman’s “harmolodics,” a radical retake on the interplay of harmony, motion and melody.”

“In these spontaneous encounters, which have provided once-in-a-lifetime highlights at previous festivals, Tacuma puts together combinations of musicians like he does his eclectic and colorful outfits. That's the drive behind the Redd Carpet Room, where he styles looks for friends, neighbors, and visiting musicians from hand-picked pieces he collects at flea markets and estate sales during his world travels.”

“In addition to being a prolific collaborator with a wide range of musicians, Tacuma took on the role of promoter as well four years ago when he started the Outsiders Improvised and Creative Music Festival, which takes place each April in Philadelphia.”

The 2018 Outsiders fest begins on April 6 at Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut St, 19107, with a performance by Free Form Funky Freqs: a trio of Jamaaladeen Tacuma, bass; G. Calvin Weston, drums; and Vernon Reid, guitar. Opening band is Sirius JuJu . Music starts at 8pm, admission is $20 at the door, $16 advance tickets are available online through milkboyphilly.com.

On April 15 at South Kitchen & Jazz Bar, 600 N Broad St 19130, the fest continues with the premiere of Jupiter 4, a new quartet led by bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma and featuring Nels Cline, guitar; Chad Taylor, drums; and Alfredo Cohen, sax and electronics. There will be two sets at 7pm and 9pm, admission is $25 and tickets are available online through southrestaurant.net or by phone at (215) 600-0220.

The Outsiders Improvised & Creative Music Festival concludes with a grand finale on April 29 at the Ibrahim Theater, International House, 3701 Chestnut St, 19104. The afternoon concert is headlined by Ornette Coleman’s Primetime Band under the direction of Denardo Coleman, featuring saxophonist Odean Pope; funk/blues guitarist and singer James Blood Ulmer; and the quartet Secret Mall led by saxist Alfredo Cohen. Music starts at 2pm. Admission is $25 and tickets are available through Eventbrite.